Hydrologic Decision Support Researcher

We are looking for an experienced researcher to take a leadership role on hydrologic decision support projects related to agricultural water use practices in irrigated landscapes. Initial focal areas for this position will include: (i) advancing the use of remotely sensed Earth observation data (i.e., OpenET) to support farm and water management decision-making, and (ii) developing and applying coupled socio-hydrological modeling tools that can be used to quantify the impacts of different management strategies on water resources. This work will contribute to multiple externally funded projects from NASA, NSF, USDA, FFAR, and the state of Kansas and include opportunities to develop new projects.
Ultimately, this position is expected to work closely with stakeholders and decision-makers to identify decision support needs, conduct applied research to help identify data products and models that can help improve their decision-making processes, and identify and develop funding proposals to support the development and maintenance of these decision-support practices. Therefore, the ideal candidate will have strong technical skills related to programming-based geospatial analysis (in Python, R, or similar languages), experience working with remotely sensed data, grant-writing experience, and a strong interested in applied, interdisciplinary research projects.
This position is based at the University of Kansas as part of the part of the HydroEcology of Anthropogenic Landscapes group (HEAL) supervised by Sam Zipper (https://www.samzipper.com) in the Kansas Geological Survey and the Department of Geology. Beyond KGS/KU, this researcher will work with research collaborators at Kansas State University, Virginia Tech, the University of Manchester, and stakeholders across the state.

Starting Date: March 17, 2025 (flexible and can be shifted earlier or later depending on applicant needs)

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin December 16, 2024.

Work Location: This position will work on-site at the Lawrence, KS campus with possibility of a hybrid (remote and on-site work) schedule as deemed by the supervisor. The position may require occasional overnight travel to field sites, project meetings, professional conferences, and stakeholder meetings (estimated 3-4 times annually).

Salary, Employment Status, and Fringe Benefits: This position has an expected salary range of $75,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Other benefits include university staff privileges; up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, and nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day annually; group medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and retirement program options.

Position term: This position is contingent on funding. There is currently funding in-hand to support at least 30 months, and the expectation is that the individual hired to this position will work closely with Dr. Zipper to develop additional proposals for continued funding support.

(85%) Research
Lead hydrologic decision-support research, with a focus on irrigated agricultural landscapes. Identify key decision needs for stakeholders within the state and create tools and data products to help support these decision-making processes. Design and implement field-based data collection approaches where necessary. Develop research proposals for external funding agencies to support the development of these tools and data products. Communicate the results of research in peer-reviewed publications and to both scientific and lay audiences.

(15%) Service
Service to the institution, university, and discipline such as: support KGS efforts in the areas of technical service and communication and public information; interact with public, university, government, and industry; participate in in professional scientific and industrial organizations; serve on University and KGS committees and organizations as assigned or in response to opportunities; participate with other KGS personnel in professional and governmental organizations that deal with Kansas and US water resources; work with students and visiting scientists when it complements and enhances research programs.

1. Appropriate education and experience through one of the following:

• PhD in a discipline related to water, environmental, geological geospatial, and/or agricultural science or engineering AND at least two years of post-PhD research experience.
• M.S. in a discipline related to water, environmental, geological, geospatial, and/or agricultural science or engineering AND at least five years of post-M.S. research experience.

2. Experience working with remotely sensed data, preferably related to evapotranspiration.
3. Coding proficiency in Python or a comparable language (R, MATLAB, Julia, etc.) as evidenced by past research products like publications, presentations, and shared software/code.
4. Strong communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and application materials.

Please submit the following materials:

• [PDF] Cover letter detailing interest in the position and fit with the required and preferred qualifications (max 3 pages)
• [PDF] CV including past educational and research experiences.
• [PDF] A peer-reviewed publication, research report, or other written product the applicant believes showcases their research interests and expertise.
• [PDF] Transcripts for undergraduate and/or graduate degrees (unofficial copies fine)
• [FORM] Contact information for three references

Review of applications begins December 16, 2024 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

For additional information contact Sam Zipper, samzipper@ku.edu
For HR questions contact Annette Delaney, adelaney@ku.edu, 785-864-2152

$75,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

8-5, M-F

Monday December 16, 2024

Monday March 17, 2025